kent, ohio? (Columbus, Cleveland, Akron: spring break, condos, home)

[risa1230]

Can anyone tell me about kent, ohio? I'm applying for a position at kent state and I don't know anything about the area or ohio in general. Does it get really cold? Hows the cost of living? Is it a diverse area? Is it near a large city? Im from san diego, ca so the idea of snow and winter scares me, even though I lived in nyc for two years. Any info on Kent would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[paintballer1708]

Kent is just east of the city of Akron. Winters can get cold as well as a lot of snow. But the spring and summer time are very nice. Kent is a very diverse town with a large asian population. The cost of living is lower than other Akron suburbs. The population is around 27,000. Kent is seeing a huge transformation in its downtown area. They are getting a new library, as well as a whole new block of downtown businesses. New condos have went in along the Cuyahoga River. The population is getting more diverse as time goes on because of the university.

[pasharon]

kent is a very nice small college town.the snow could be worse but kent is south of the lake erie snow belt.its also a good area if you enjoy walking. theres a big campus area and a good downtown area to walk thru.

[htlong]

and if you see nat'l gaurdsmen....duck! whoops im showing my age again!

[paintballer1708]

^We need more htlongs on this site. LOL

[Family in a Frenzy]

I'm from Ohio, but living in the Central Valley of California. The snow in Ohio is not like the snow in Mammoth or the other ski areas around LA. It snows and then it's plowed. Yes, it gets cold, sort of like the temp if you ever go skiiing. and yes plan a trip to CA over spring break, but it's not as bad as mountain snow. No chains in Kent! Cleveland is an easy drive for your Big City fix and there is plenty of artsy things to do. The nearest ocean beach is a bit of a drive, but....the traffic is soooo much more manageable. Oh, and the people in Ohio are very nice, Kent has a great reputation and is even known here in little old Fresno. I am applying to grad school in Kent, as we speak. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to email me. Good Luck.

[Captain Emo]

To answer part of your question, Kent is near both Cleveland and Akron. In Ohio, these are considered large cities. The cost of living is rather low compared to many Cleve/akron subs. Streetsboro has been going through much development. Kent has been getting a nice face-lift too.

[Zasu Pitts]

I lived in Kent for several years and still have family there. Yes, it definitely snows a lot. More than the snow, though, the grayness is hard to take--there is just not a lot of sun. People are nice but students tend to go home on weekends. There is one Starbucks and one independent coffee house, no vegetarian restaurant (closest is in Cleveland) and the natural foods store is small. The only independent book store sells comic books and graphic novels. There is a good public library in town.

[4sarad]

I live in Akron and commute to Kent for grad school. I find Kent to be kind of ugly and run-down, to tell you the truth. It doesn't seem to be a bad school to teach at though. If you do take a position there, I would suggest living in a neighboring town. I know some of my professors live in Ravenna and Stow. It would also put you further from all of the rude students!

[streetcreed]

I have visited Kent and it struck me as very very very small. I decided to not attend Kent State and continue living in Columbus and attending a college in Columbus.